Introduction
Secularization is a historical process through which individuals fail to recognize the significance of religion values in their social, cultural and political settings. It threatens to erode the noble human values that shape political and social activities in various societies. That is it is a systematic process through which religion has been losing its social and political importance.
This is evident in most nations such as US where religion is not regarded as a fundamental factor that influence the development of political parties and their operations. As noted by scholars, secularism has been in the increasing end due to the evident changes in various aspect of engagement.
The changes have made most individuals to focus on monetary issues and engagement in activities that please them with disregard to religious ideals. They tend to conform to the worldly lifestyle by doing what enable them to achieve their immediate needs, but fail to focus on what is necessary for their holistic development.
Indeed, religion that equips individuals with pertinent human values has been losing its absolute authority in most settings. This trend is causing immense fear with scholars asserting that it would facilitate mistrust, unfaithfulness and lack of cohesion. This would compromise social, economic and political integration that is significant for meaningful development.
Secularization, effects and relationship with religion
As indicated, secularization is a systematic process through which religion has been losing its imperativeness socially and culturally. It also describes how the world is continuously deviating from recognizing the noble ideals of religion that have been instrumental in shaping individuals lifestyle (Welcker 2).
In US, religion and politics are regarded as distinct entities by some individuals. They assert that religion has no bearing on political activities and does not influence operations of political parties. They state that effective leadership is not dependent on religious ideals but on an individuals skills and competence. They seek to quell the notion that best leaders are the ones with strong religion background. This explains why individuals with secular beliefs assert that religious principles do not present immense influence to political processes.
However, another school of thought holds that politicians who have a strong attachment to religious ideals and practices are more generous than secular leaders. They tend to understand the plight of the citizens and try to mitigate their needs effectively through formulation of viable policies (Welcker 12).
They offer more viable, practical and realistic solutions to various complications that affect the electorate in the nation. Indeed, religious leaders and politicians are credited for their role in enhancing peace and cohesion among citizens. They use their political power to influence the public to embrace moral and spiritual values that are integral in fostering democratic processes.
Evidently, the relationship between religion and secularism, their significance and how they influence human development socially or politically has been drawing mixed reactions from various individuals. Christians hold that the current social discomfort and political animosity in most nations is caused by irresponsible behavior that is a result of secularization.
They state that secularization is eroding the noble human values and virtues that foster cohesion (Welcker 18). It has also been impeding understanding, living by faith and building of trust between individuals. In US, secularism has been identified as key issue that would degenerate the country’s economy if not addressed.
Challenge of secularism
Secularization is a practice that presents a lot of challenges that are bound to affect political integration process in various settings (Welcker 18). This is apparent since its principles does not give much cognizance to Christian or religious ideals, the existence of a supernatural being and the role of religion in shaping individuals political practices. Firstly, it is bound to affect political activities even though it is said that it has no direct link or bearing on politics.
This is evident since in this era or century nations need politicians who are trusted, faithful and determined to developing favorable laws. The leaders should be of high moral standing and hold noble values that foster cohesion among society members. This is essential in ensuring that secularization that can corrupt one’s mindset does not find room in the current setting.
Secondly, secularism also poses a challenge of eroding moral values and principles that are vital in building sustainable political practices. Morality is an integral aspect that is achievable through intense religious teachings and guidance. It requires determination and proper understanding of decent human values that secular individuals may lack (Welcker 20).
They only focus on activities or principles that please them or accelerate them in meeting their immediate needs. They lack key principles such as respect, integrity, honesty and kindness that define moral values in the political arena. Therefore, secularism is a practice that is draining moral values or causing moral decay in our societies. It also impedes spiritual growth and advancement among politicians thereby leading to the development of incoherent laws.
Conclusion
Indeed, religion provides basic incentives that ensure that noble values are inculcated in individuals. The values are set with an aim of ensuring that peace, understanding, cohesion and trust is enhanced among individuals. Therefore, communities that aspire to grow socially and politically should embrace religious principles.
Works Cited
Welcker, Lowell. Asecular Society. New York Times. 21st Mar 1984. Web. Mar 2013.